November19,2012

Recently, Congressman George Miller introduced H.R. 6591, the Streamlining and Improving Methods at Polling Locations and Early (SIMPLE) Voting Act, which requires early voting in all states for a minimum of 15 days prior to federal election days. 15 states currently have no forms of early voting.

This legislation would also require that states have the necessary resources to ensure that all precincts are prepared to accommodate anticipated voter turnout and that no one has to wait for more than one hour to vote.

“I thank Representative George Miller for introducing this important legislation that reduces wait time at the polls, requires states to hold early voting, and ensures that all voters have easier opportunities to vote,” said Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09). “The long lines and hours of waiting to vote in the 2012 election were unacceptable. Although this bill does not fix all of the problems with our voting system, it goes a long way to ensure that Americans with unexpected emergencies, illnesses, and demanding work schedules have ample opportunities to exercise their right to vote.”

Along with requiring each state to provide a minimum of 15 days of early voting and requiring each voting precinct to have the necessary amount of voting machines, poll workers, and other resources, the proposed SIMPLE Voting Act would also require states to have a contingency plan in the case of long lines forming.